Week 17: A Week of Learning and Accomplishment

Happy Friday!

It is the last Friday of the fall semester and it has come upon us very quickly! Thank you for all you have done this week as we approach the end. I know that these closing days leading up to a break are busier as we wrap things up and I appreciate all of the effort that has been put forth to make learning happen.

Our performance targets have been updated but the academic data is not all in because of our assessment window still being open. That information will be reported to the board Tuesday night and I will do a short, final Wrap-up for the semester and provide those data to you all then.

I want to use this Wrap-up to celebrate some accomplishments of our classified staff members and provide some background information on the Science of Reading.

Teacher Apprentices

The Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education began a teacher residency model in the 2023 school year. As a part of that model, students enrolled in an education preparation program through an approved higher education entity can now apply for apprenticeships in local school districts. The program is a partnership between the education preparation program, the area cooperative, the local school district, and the state department of education. The local school district is responsible for employing the apprentice and assigning the apprentice to a Journeyman, a licensed master teacher in the district, who will provide guidance and support during their apprenticeship. While there are multiple entities involved in the apprenticeship program, the greatest responsibility lies with the apprentice. The enhanced responsibilities will include assignments and activities provided by the Journeyman for their growth into the role of teacher as well as professional development activities and lesson implementation where appropriate all while continuing their paid position in the district and their coursework through their educator preparation program.

Mena School District has been approved for four Teacher Apprentice positions that will begin in January and we are proud to announce these apprenticeships for Stacy Green, Jamie Grogan, LaShea Holder, and Jordan Trinidad. All four are a part of the REACH program and have exhibited high standards of excellence. As a district, we know the value of our staff, and working with these apprentices to take their next steps in the process of becoming teachers is a privilege. Congratulations to each of you and we commend you on your hard work! 

Along with the Teacher Apprentice position is a Journeyman that must be assigned and we understand the importance of this position as well. Journeymen must go through rigorous training provided through the National Institute of Excellence in Teaching (NIET) and the local education cooperative. This training gives them an understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of the Teacher Apprentice and how they can best support that position. District personnel who will step into the role of Journeyman include Amber Labertew, Katie Thomas, Tiffany Williams, and Hollie Montgomery. We appreciate your willingness to take on this opportunity. 

Sold a Story

During a literacy training I attended this week, I was made aware of a podcast series called Sold a Story. This is a documentary series of eight, one hour-long episodes covering the history and politics of reading instruction in the United States and the events that led to the emergence of the Science of Reading, which is our state’s foundation for reading instruction according to legislation.

I am only in Episode 5 but these are engaging episodes that take me back through the history of my career and help me better understand where we are today both politically and educationally. I encourage everyone to listen to all episodes of this podcast, especially those of you mid to early-career educators even if you do not teach literacy. Parents who have students learning to read now and those who started learning to read in the nineties should listen to this, as well. As you listen, reflect on our teaching practices and our professional development ‘heroes’ of the past.

Closing

We have had some kind organizations and individuals step up to help families with the unpaid lunch charges this week. We have been given nearly $7,200 which has assisted 193 students! I will not name any at this time as some wish to be anonymous but their benevolence is very much appreciated and I am sure the families who are impacted are appreciative of this as well. This is also a great relief to our front office staff who manage accounts and notifications, as well.

Again, I would like to recognize our bands and choirs for their fine, spirited holiday performances that have taken place this week. We have some tremendous talent at our school and some great directors who know how to polish and display it.

It was another great week at Mena Public Schools!

At Mena Public Schools our students are prepared, our staff is supported, and our community is confident.

Have a nice weekend!